Communications and Marketing

Welcoming RRC Polytech’s new Chairs, School of Business, Information Technology & Creative Arts, Hospitality & Culinary Arts

April 5, 2023

RRC Polytech is pleased to welcome the new Chairs for the School of Business, Information Technology & Creative Arts, Hospitality & Culinary Arts. Please join us in welcoming:

  • Shelly Chlan, Chair, Hospitality Management
  • Scott Halpenny, Chair, Business Administration Year 2 and Accounting NDC
  • Gail Horvath, Chair, Information Security and IT Operations
  • Melanie Lee Lockhart, Chair, Creative Communications
  • Thomas Lepp, Chair, Digital Multimedia and Game Development
  • Jennifer Powell, Chair, Business Administration Year 1 EDC
  • Sandra Turner, Chair, Application Development and Delivery Year 1
  • Taras Wasyliw, Chair, Business Administration Year 1 NDC

Shelly Chlan has worked at RRC Polytech since 2004, first as an Instructor for Applied Computer Education and Business Administration, and for the last several years for Hospitality and Tourism.  

Shelly has a BA in Psychology, Certificate in Adult Education, and earned her designation as a Certified Management Accountant (CPA, CMA). Before joining RRC Polytech, Shelly worked in a variety of organizations and has managed several accounting teams. 

Shelly focuses on building positive and safe learning environments. Outside of work, she enjoys reading, spending time with family, and walking in nature. 

Scott joined Red River College Polytechnic in 2001, working as an accounting instructor in the Accounting and Computer Education and Applied Commerce and Management Education (ACME) departments. In 2019, he moved into an academic Coordinator role at NDC, before becoming Program Manager for ACME at EDC in 2021.  

Scott has a Bachelor of Commerce (honours) from the University of Manitoba and a Chartered Professional Accounting designation through CPA Manitoba. He has a Certificate in Adult Education from RRC Polytech. Prior to joining the College, he worked in accounting and finance positions in the banking, transportation and special crops marketing sectors in Winnipeg.  

Scott is a collaborative leader, building on the strengths of teams and identifying areas for growth. Outside of work, Scott loves spending time with family and friends, hiking, and travel.   

Gail started with RRC Polytech in 2004 as an instructor at the Interlake Regional Campus. She has worked with Applied Computer Education since 2012, as an instructor and most recently as program manager. Gail specializes in fostering communication, interpersonal, conflict management, and intercultural skills. She has developed courses in communication, business, and computer technologies.  

As program manager, Gail supports new instructors, oversees course development, and co-leads program renewals. She is dedicated to the creation of high-quality education that serves the needs of students and employers. 

Gail holds a Bachelor of Commerce (Honours) degree and a Master of Education degree, both from the University of Manitoba. She is a lifelong learner with interests in science, technology, and philosophy. Gail’s interests include travelling, gardening, and cooking. 

Melanie Lee Lockhart taught Public Relations and Communication Management in RRC Polytech’s Creative Communications program for 15 years and was honoured with the RRCSA’s Award for Teaching Excellence. More recently, she led development of and has served as Program Coordinator for the Post-Graduate Diploma in Communication Management.  

Prior to joining RRC Polytech, Melanie was the Director of Corporate Communications at Manitoba Telecom Services Inc. (now Bell MTS). She holds a Master’s Degree in English from Carleton University, a Bachelor’s Degree in English from McGill University, and a Certificate in Adult Education from RRC Polytech. 

Thomas Lepp is a highly skilled and experienced instructor in the field of game development and visual effects. He has an extensive background in real-time 3D computer graphics, with more than 20 years of experience.   

Thomas has worked in art direction for various game and film productions and has also worked as a technical director and motion graphics artist. He has contributed to multiple game, film, and television projects.  

Thomas has a deep understanding of game development and a talent for communicating complex concepts to students. He has mentored many aspiring game developers and is dedicated to inspiring the next generation of digital artists, ensuring that they have the tools and knowledge they need to succeed. He continues to share his knowledge and expertise with students and fellow game developers alike, inspiring them to create groundbreaking immersive entertainment experiences. 

Jennifer Powell joined RRC Polytech in 2008 as the Coordinator for the Student Connections program, then moved into Student Recruitment and eventually became an instructor in Applied Computer Education (ACE) and Applied Commerce and Management Education (ACME). She has spent the last four years as an Academic Coordinator in the ACME department. Prior to working at RRC Polytech, Jennifer worked in sales and marketing roles in the fields of event marketing, hospitality, and staffing.  

Jennifer holds a master’s degree in Public Administration (MBA stream) from the University of Winnipeg and has recently completed the Teaching for Learning Program and the Envision Leadership Development Program. 

Jennifer enjoys spending time with family and friends (especially her son Jackson), going to concerts, hiking, cross country skiing, snowshoeing, and travelling. 

Sandra Turner joins RRC Polytech after having worked in the post-secondary world for nearly a decade for Confederation College in Northwest Ontario; however, her passion for helping learners reach their career and education goals began 15 years ago when she started working in the Literacy and Basic Skills field. After having lived and worked in Northwestern Ontario for the last 16 years, Sandra is returning to her roots in Manitoba. She looks forward to new adventures with RRC Polytech. 

Outside of the office, Sandra can be found digging in the dirt in her vegetable and flower gardens with her two dogs in tow. Animal welfare has been a passion of hers for many years. She has been heavily involved in volunteering for various animal rescue operations in NWO; her home has always been open and welcoming to furry strays and she hopes to continue that important work in Manitoba.

Taras has been with RRC Polytech for 19 years, primarily teaching in the Applied Commerce and Management Education (ACME) department. He was also the Business Administration program renewal coordinator and two-time chair of the College’s Directions Business Conference. 

Prior to his time at the College, Taras worked in various management positions within the television, advertising, and tourism industries. He also served on the boards of Asperger Manitoba and the Manitoba Theatre for Young People. 

Taras holds a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology from the University of Manitoba and an MBA in Managerial Leadership from Seattle City University. 

Taras’ interests include emerging trends in course development, course design, classroom technologies and instructional methods.  He is passionate about fostering diversity and inclusion at the College. 

In his personal life, Taras spends time with his family travelling and enjoying theatre, music, and the arts. 

RRC Polytech campuses are located on the lands of Anishinaabe, Ininiwak, Anishininew, Dakota, and Dené, and the National Homeland of the Red River Métis.

We recognize and honour Treaty 3 Territory Shoal Lake 40 First Nation, the source of Winnipeg’s clean drinking water. In addition, we acknowledge Treaty Territories which provide us with access to electricity we use in both our personal and professional lives.

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